Rourkela: Rehabilitated during the last Hockey World Cup, Basanti Sarovar is now one of the most desired destinations for Steel City residents to unwind. The introduction of the boating facility has further added charm to the pond. After the fallen statue of the hockey player near the stadium, this pond has become the next favourite spot for denizens. Rourkela Municipal Corporation (RMC) is also showcasing the pond area to attract visitors to the place. Besides, the three-day street food festival, which was introduced last year, is held near the pond. The whole area encompassing the pond has now become a pleasant site to watch after undergoing a complete transformation last year. Earlier, the pond was like any other uncared-for water body filled to the brim with hyacinth and other aquatic weeds. Earlier used by the nearby slum dwellers to clean dirty clothes, bathe buffaloes, and for angling, the city administration would clean a portion of the mud-filled pond to make way for offering prayers during the Chhat festival.
Besides, with the fall of the day, it would become a haven for drug peddlers and anti-socials. The pond and its peripheral infrastructure are spread over 10 acre area. The boating facility began August 1 with two motorised boats that can accommodate six persons each in one ride. Besides, there are four pedal boats with a sitting capacity of two and four persons. The charge for a 20-minute ride in the pedal boat is Rs 50 and for the same duration, it costs Rs 120 for the motorised one. The facility is available for visitors from 8 am to 7.30 pm. Speaking about the park and its facilities, Karunakara Behera, who along with two others has got the lease from the RMC, said, “The boats have been provided by the RMC. We are simply managing and maintaining those. Besides, we are allowing marriage functions on the vacant land on the other side towards the DAV Polytechnic with a nominal charge of Rs 17,000 per day.” “Presently we are incurring losses but are hopeful that in the long run we will make a profit out of it. Because we are gradually getting visitors in larger numbers starting this winter,” he added.
